Friday, July 25

Some of you may have noticed by now that I've been on a hiatus from blogging. I plan to resume writing here in late autumn once our schedule opens up a bit. In the meantime, I encourage you to check out the new Books tab and pick up a few of the titles at your local library. If you get a chance to read one, drop me an email, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Monday, March 3

Grace and peace dear ones! It's been a while, so I wanted to check in. I haven't had as much time to blog now that my littles are getting older and we've been on the go more often. I can't complain though, we have tons of fun.
I'm currently in the beginning of the gospel of John. It's been a while since I've read the gospels and I'm excited to delve in. I love the way it starts off with a bang so to speak. So much hope packed into one little paragraph! May the light of all mankind shine brightly through you as you follow Him!
John 1:1-5 (NIV)In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Tuesday, December 31

There's something comforting about finishing up Revelation as 2013 draws to a close. As I ponder all the possibilities of 2014, my heart yearns after an even greater hope. The hope of glory, my Savior and king, Jesus! Oh for the days referenced in chapter 21. Joy and peace to you dear friends and a very Happy New Year!

Revelation 21:3-5 (NIV)

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Saturday, November 30

Something I've been thankful for lately is the beauty of sunrise. These crisp autumn mornings have been particularly stunning as of late, and a recent display brought to mind the passage below from Lamentations.

Lamentations 3:22-26 (ESV)

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;his mercies never come to an end;23 they are new every morning;great is your faithfulness.24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,“therefore I will hope in him.”

25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him,to the soul who seeks him.26 It is good that one should wait quietlyfor the salvation of the Lord.

Tuesday, September 3

I have another book rec I'd like to pass along: Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest by Edward T. Welch. I have a few chapters left, and it's been such a faith bolstering read!In Chapter 22, Dr. Welch explains that the key to embracing "do not be afraid" is to comprehend that God is with us. Always. Two of the several scripture passages he encourages the reader to consider are found in John:John 14:15-21 (NIV)15 “If you love me, keep my commands.16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him,because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

John 17:20-23 (NIV)20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.How humbling it is to think of our Savior praying for us in this way! Grace and peace dear readers, He is sufficient for all your needs.

Readers

Even the darkness is not dark to you, and the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light are alike to you. For you formed my inward parts; you wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works, and my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in your book were all written the days that were ordained for me; when as yet there was not one of them.